What the pause means
IRCC announced on July 15, 2026 that it is pausing intake of new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program. Until further notice, IRCC will not accept new interest-to-sponsor forms and will not invite potential sponsors to apply.
Applications that were already submitted remain in processing. IRCC says it plans to approve up to 15,000 people for permanent residence through the PGP in 2026, in line with the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan. Families with an existing file should keep responding to IRCC's requests and report material changes through the appropriate IRCC channel.
The Super Visa remains available
IRCC points families to the Super Visa as a way for parents and grandparents to spend extended time in Canada. It allows stays of up to five years at a time and multiple entries over up to ten years. A Super Visa is temporary residence, not permanent residence, and it has its own income, insurance, medical and admissibility requirements.
Planning during the pause
- Do not submit a PGP application without an invitation.
- Keep family, income and tax records organized in case a future intake is announced.
- For temporary visits, assess Super Visa or regular visitor visa eligibility based on your family's actual circumstances.
- Check IRCC directly for any announcement that intake will reopen.